Exterior

As part of the 2003 redesign, the Savana's front end gained a new grille, bumper, fascia, hood and fenders. Upscale reflector-type headlights were installed, and the taillamps were revamped.

Light-duty vans have rack-and-pinion steering, which promises greater agility. Front and rear suspensions are modified from those used on GM's full-size pickup trucks. The rear suspensions use a solid axle with multileaf springs and gas shocks. All Savanas have 16-inch wheels.

Passenger vans come in regular and extended lengths. The regular-length model has a 135-inch wheelbase and measures 224.1 inches long overall, while the extended-length van rides on a 155-inch wheelbase and stretches 244.1 inches long overall. Each of these vans is 79.4 inches wide and at least 81.6 inches tall.

Regular-length passenger and Cargo Vans can be fitted with a 60/40-split left-side entry and loading door. The side access panels feature remote releases and are limited to work-oriented models. They permit easier accessibility to tools and parts from either side of the van.

    See also:

    Locking Rear Axle
    Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low, this feature will allow the rear ...

    Call Waiting
    Call waiting must be supported on the cell phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier. • Press to answer an incoming call when another call is active. The original call is placed on hold. ...

    Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
    Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as ...